Stone Beds - dealing with the grass???

westy1941(Boulder County, CO)June 29, 2010

I have two foot high stone 'walls' that form almost all the garden beds. And a lawn that goes right up against the stone. This is the stupidest design idea ever. He cuts the grass and leaves the 'edges' of it to grow tall and there is no way I can keep up with the trimming. What are some suggestions for dealing with this problem? Do I create a border between the stone and the grass consisting of some kind of mulch? Laying flat bricks or tiles is out of the question for budget reasons. Any ideas much appreciated.

Westy

PS I wish I could dump all the grass completely but we've had this argument and I lose.

My father built brick raised beds on cement foundations. The cement had a lip a few inches out into the lawn, called a "mowing strip."

The previous owner of my house created dirt mowing strips by spraying Roundup adjacent to the flower beds and carport. It took me three years to get anything but the occasional weed to grow there (okay, my fault: I'd assumed the grass would spread naturally). If you're going to do this, you'll want to buy Roundup concentrate and mix your own; consider buying a small backpack sprayer.

Most people, I think, would just use a weed-whacker to trim adjacent to the beds.

You could also dig out the sod, lay down several layers of newspaper, and cover with mulch to the level of the adjacent sod. Eventually weeds would grow in the mulch. Unless you have a free source for mulch, this method would not be cost-free.

In the meantime, it doesn't hurt to try to find a free or low-cost source of old bricks or pavers. Some people will offer them for free or almost free just to get rid of them. Try Craigslist, etc. In my area there's a small "newspaper" for people selling used stuff. Check the 3x5 cards posted in the supermarket. I think I've heard that people sometimes get permission to take leftover bricks or stone from construction sites, and that the same is true for demolition sites. Ask your friends to ask their friends. Throw your shyness to the winds and ask everyone you meet: the more you get the word out, the better the chance you'll find something usable.

I'd BEG anyone for bricks - but he doesn't want them. He said he will keep trimming around the rock with the damn trimmer. He's doing it now! My NEXT place will have brick edging. Never thought of Craigslist...thanks!